Greater Sudbury Public Library Begins Search for Next Poet Laureate

Local poets with a passion for advocacy of literacy and local heritage are invited to consider the role of Greater Sudbury’s sixth Poet Laureate. A complete description of the position and details for application are available online at http://www.sudburylibraries.ca/en/booksmuchmore/Poet-Laureate.asp and at Greater Sudbury Public Libraries.

“Greater Sudbury’s Poet Laureate is an important part of our rich cultural mosaic,” said Mayor Brian Bigger. “On behalf of residents, I extend sincere gratitude to outgoing Poet Laureate Chloé LaDuchesse for her passion for Francophone culture and for her commitment to championing poetry, language and the arts.”

Greater Sudbury’s Poet Laureate will serve as an active advocate for poetry, literacy and literature by initiating and participating in readings and other events throughout the community for a two-year term, commencing January 2020. The Poet Laureate’s mandate also includes the creation of a legacy project that will be unique to the individual.

“My term as Poet Laureate gave me an opportunity to meet great aspiring and established poets committed to our community’s artistic development,” said LaDuchesse. “ Poetry is one of the many ways in which residents can make a positive contribution to society. That is what I have learned from these privileged contacts, and it is this passion that the next poet laureate will have to feed.”

Applicants for the position of Poet Laureate must be a published poet, recognized for their achievements, and active in the cultural and literary community. Additional requirements include demonstrated leadership skills, public speaking ability and flexibility to carry out all duties required of the position in a manner that reflects English, French or Indigenous heritage.

Closing date for applications for the term 2020-2022 is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2019. The Greater Sudbury Poet Laureate receives an honorarium of $1,000 per term.

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